Antonio Barluzzi

(1884-1960)

They call me the “Architect of the Holy Land.” If you plan to visit the Christian holy sites in David’s Land, you’ll surely encounter many of my works.

Of course I’m Italian. I was born in Rome. After obtaining a degree in engineering, I spent several years working with my brother, Giulio, on building projects in the Middle East. While working in Jerusalem on a hospital for the Italian Missionary Society, I was asked by the head of the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land to submit plans for a new basilica on Mount Tabor.

I was forced to return to Italy with the outbreak of World War I. While serving in the Italian army, I took part in the allied entry into Jerusalem. It was during this time in Palestine that I was asked by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land to start work on the Basilica of the Transfiguration and another church at the Garden of Gethsemane.

When you visit Mount Tabor, look for a likeness of me near the church that I designed there. At the Church of the Visitation in Ein Karem, if you look very closely at one of the frescos on the walls, you’ll see me there too.